Women Indian Haj Pilgrims Embark on Holy Journey

In a significant stride towards women empowerment, the first batch of 381 Haj pilgrims from India embarked on their holy journey to Saudi Arabia from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. This year, a remarkable development marks the pilgrimage as 4,314 women are going for Haj without a mahram, showcasing their independence and resilience. Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, emphasized the empowering nature of this achievement and commended the Ministry of Minority Affairs for their meticulous arrangements for the Hajis.

Leading the ceremonial flag-off, Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi and Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena bid farewell to the pilgrims. Delhi alone contributes approximately 2,600 individuals for Haj this year. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed personalities, including Saudi Ambassador to India Shaqli bin Eid Al Hussaini, President of Delhi Haj Committee Kaushar Jahan, and Ministry of Minority Affairs Smriti Irani.

Delhi Haj Committee has taken various initiatives to facilitate the pilgrims, including a special camp focusing on physical fitness. Additionally, to avoid congestion at the Delhi airport, the embarkment point for the Hajis has been shifted to Haj Manzil. Medical access, foreign currency exchange, and smooth transit arrangements have also been made, ensuring a hassle-free journey.

The number of women undertaking the Haj pilgrimage without a mahram has significantly increased this year. Out of the nearly 4,000 women registered without a male support traveler, 39 are from Delhi. Last year’s count of 8,000 Haj pilgrims from Delhi has tripled, with over 22,000 individuals expected to undertake the sacred pilgrimage from the national capital this year.

Re-reported from the story originally published in The Print